Home Run Campaign For Greenwood Baseball Field

Q: What is the cost for the new baseball stadium?A: The stadium is projected to cost approximately $2.5M. Of that amount $2M will go to designing and constructing the stadium to meet the Big South Conference minimum facility requirements which includes seating for at least 500, press box, restrooms, batting cages, and concessions. $500,000 will provide for associated costs like replacing fencing, upgrading the scoreboard, and improving bullpens.

Q: How is the project being funded?A: UNC Asheville is raising the money through private donations from alumni, friends, and parents through the Athletics “Home Run Campaign” for Greenwood Baseball Field Expansion and Renovation Project. These funds would be deposited into the UNC Asheville Foundation to provide oversight in allocating the utilization of these funds to begin and complete the project. Since UNC Asheville Athletics is required by North Carolina Law to be self-funded, no state funds can be used for this athletic facility construction project.

Q: When will construction begin?A: Construction will not begin until at least 70% of the funding has been raised with the additional 30% in secured pledges having been established within the UNC Asheville Foundation.

Q: What will the stadium be called?A: With UNC Asheville Board of Trustee approval, naming rights for the stadium will go to the individual or corporation that donates at least $1M of the construction costs. The field itself will remain Greenwood Field.

Q: Why build an on-campus stadium?A: The stadium will give Bulldog students, fans, and the community an on-campus venue for Asheville’s only NCAA Division I baseball team and will meet the Big South Conference minimum facility requirements. UNC Asheville assisted by Athletics, University Enterprises, Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, and other community entities has become a strong economic driver by promoting sporting events and expanding opportunities for increased economic activity for our community. The stadium will provide additional economic impact.

Q: What is the capacity of the stadium?A: The stadium will have capacity for a little over 600 spectators with 300 of those seats being spectator seats and the others being bleacher seating. Additional seating will be available in the VIP/Hospitality Areas and Press Box.

Q: Who will be allowed to use the facility?A: UNC Asheville’s use of the stadium will be consistent with the university’s mission, values, and vision. The primary purpose for the stadium is Bulldog Baseball practices and games. However, the stadium will also be used year-round for any number of sporting, campus, and community events such as baseball camps and clinics, summer and fall Showcase Baseball Tournaments, concerts and other outdoor events.

Q: Who will be responsible for paying for maintenance to the stadium?A: The stadium will be operated within Athletics and University Enterprises. The operations budget for events hosted will be dependent on the number of events. Use fees, ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, and operating cost reimbursements will be charged as occur currently on the indoor facilities.

Q: Where will fans park?A: Similar to the Sherrill Center/Kimmel Arena parking plans, fans will park in adjacent parking decks and lots located near the stadium. Students, faculty, and staff can walk to the stadium and/or use the campus shuttles.

Q: What are the plans for completing the Track Project?A: To date, we have raised almost $1.5M which included a $500,000 gift from Buncombe County, a $120,000 private cash gift, and numerous individual contributions. With an additional $400,000 pledge from a private donor, construction began on this project. Phase II - the resurfacing of the track itself has been completed. Unfortunately, the private donor was unable to fulfill his $400,000 pledge and construction has been halted on Phase I - the small stadium structure that included the required bathrooms, seating, and additional improvements. Like the baseball project no state funds can be used to complete this project. We continue to seek $500,000 in private investments to complete the project.

Q: How can I find out more information?A: You can find up-to-date information on our website at www.uncabulldogs.com.